The Los Angeles Lakers have made a few moves in NBA free agency since teams could start talking to players on July 1. Los Angeles has agreed to deals with Timofey Mozgov, Luol Deng, Jordan Clarkson, and Tarik Black while also acquiring Jose Calderon in a trade, but the team doesn’t appear to be done yet.
According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, the Lakers brass has expressed interest in veteran Drew Gooden:
NBA free agent forward-center Drew Gooden has received inquiries from New York, Toronto, Lakers & Clippers, source said.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 7, 2016
Gooden has bounced around the league throughout his entire career in the NBA. The 34-year-old has played for 10 teams over the course of a 14-year career with his longest stints being with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, and Orlando Magic.
Last season, Gooden played alongside John Wall and Bradley Beal in Washington. The seasoned veteran rarely saw the floor with the Wizards last season playing in only 30 games while averaging only 10.2 minutes.
The Kansas product averaged 2.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game during the 2015-16 NBA season.
With the team showing interest in Gooden, it’ll be interesting to see what Brandon Bass’ status with the team is moving forward. Bass is an unrestricted free agent after opting out of his contract with the Lakers.
Bass expressed interest in returning to Los Angeles, but there’s been no indication whether he’ll return or if he’s received interest elsewhere. Bass may be asking for more than the Lakers are willing to pay while Gooden is bound to come cheap.
Other notable frontcourt players still available in free agency include Marreese Speights, Meyers Leonard, Donatas Motiejunas, Jared Sullinger, David Lee, and Tyler Zeller.
Los Angeles Lakers(96) - Minnesota Timberwolves(103)